ROAD SAFETY AND breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist is urging car owners to make careful checks on their tyres before driving, now that lockdown restrictions are eased and more road journeys are permitted.

Cars that have not been used for several weeks need pressure checks on all tyres (including the spare), as well as careful inspection to ensure that there are no cracked sidewalls or other damage caused by long periods without use.

For anyone concerned that they may not know safe from dangerous, GEM’s short videos show just how quick and simple a tyre check can be.

GEM road safety officer Neil Worth commented: “For many people in England, the relaxing of Covid-19 restrictions offers a welcome opportunity to get out on the road again. But we just want to help keep you as safe as possible, so do please check your tyres before you go anywhere.

“Correctly inflated tyres with good levels of tread allow all the other safety systems on a car to work at their most effective – vital in an emergency situation. On the other hand, inadequate tread or incorrect pressure mean the safety systems on your vehicle simply will not work as efficiently.

“Carrying out the checks is a simple process that doesn’t take long – but could make all the difference to your safety.”

GEM tyre warnings:

There are heavy penalties for drivers using worn or defective tyres on their cars. Each bald or defective tyre carries a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points.

Under-inflated tyres reduce your vehicle’s ability to grip the road, and also compromise handling. This can result in unpredictable vehicle behaviour, and increases the risk of a tyre blowout, where sudden rapid deflation occurs.

Over-inflated tyres have a smaller contact area with the road, leading to increased stopping distance and reduced grip. There’s likely to be a lot more wear across the central part of the tyre, leading to a shorter lifespan.